Getting a building approval quote? Here’s what you need first

Getting a building approval quote? Here’s what you need first.

If you’re planning a home renovation or new build, getting the right approvals is a crucial step.

06 Mar 2025
4 min read

Getting a building approval quote? Here's what you need first.

If you’re planning a home renovation or new build, getting the right approvals is a crucial step. But before we can provide a building approval quote, we need some key details to assess your project properly.

Providing the right information upfront helps us process your quote request faster and ensures you receive the most accurate estimate.

To save you time and frustration, here’s what you need to know before reaching out.

Do you know what type of approval you need?

One of the most common questions we receive is: Do I need a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?

These are the two main types of approvals:

CDC – a faster approval process for projects that meet pre-set planning and building regulations. Assessed by a private certifier (like us!)
DA – required when your project does not meet standard development rules. Lodged with and assessed by the local council.

If your project requires a DA, you’ll also need a Construction Certificate (CC) before starting any work. A private certifier, like us, can issue your CC, ensuring plans comply with building regulations and allowing construction to proceed.

Do you have the right plans?

A set of site plans is essential for getting a quote. Without these, we can’t assess your project or determine compliance requirements.

Some common questions we get about plans are:

Can I draw my own plans?
- Plans must be detailed enough for construction and typically need to be prepared by an architect or draftsperson to ensure regulatory requirements. If you’re unsure, check the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) regulations for specific guidelines.
Can Buildcert draw my plans for me?
- No, we don’t offer drafting or design services. We recommend hiring an architect or draftsperson in your area.

Are you managing the build yourself?

If you’re acting as an Owner Builder and managing the project, you may need an Owner Builder permit.

Owner Builder permits apply to:

Residential homes
Pools
Sheds & garages

Do you need approval for work that’s already been completed?

Unfortunately, we can’t provide approvals for work that has already been completed. Retrospective approvals can only be issued by your local council through a Building Information Certificate (BIC).

If your construction is already underway or completed without approval, contact your local council for next steps.

What will a building approval cost?

The cost of your approval depends on several factors, including:

The size and complexity of the project
The site location and any constraints
The type of approval required (DA, CDC, CC, etc)

Having all the necessary details ready helps us provide your quote sooner and keeps the approval process moving smoothly.

Getting a building approval quote - contact Buildcert.

What does Buildcert do?

There are many pieces of the puzzle when it comes to construction, so we understand it can be confusing to know what a certifier does throughout the process.

So, here’s a quick breakdown of what we do and don’t do:

What we do: